The Pepsi-Cola Sign has illuminated the East River waterfront since 1936. While not a traditional “landmark,” the sign has become iconic for its vintage lettering, adding a special character to the all-but-developed Long Island City. Built by Artkraft Signs, the display is made up of steel and porcelain enamel channel letters and a Pepsi-Cola bottle, all illuminated by neon. The sign was originally perched atop the Pepsi bottling plant, which closed in 1999, but was located in what is now the northern section of Gantry Plaza State Park. As a nod to the departed industry that was once a dominating presence in Long Island City, the Pepsi-Cola sign was preserved and given pride of place in the park in 2009, long after its host building was demolished. In 21st century New York, vestiges like this remind us of our city’s vibrant past as an industrial powerhouse.